BANGALORE: Barring an error in the biology paper, the Government's Common Entrance Test (CET) commenced on Tuesday with 62,175 candidates appearing for the biology test and 79,200 taking the mathematics test at 186 examination centres in the State.

The error, according to students, related to a question appearing in versions-A1 and C4 of the biology paper. The question read "The World Biodiversity Day is celebrated annually on" and the four answer choices offered were "June 5, December 29, April 22 and September 16." The correct answer was "May 22," which was not mentioned in the paper, the students said.

The CET Cell told The Hindu that students could raise objections and point out the mistakes after the answer keys were published by May 15.

In Bangalore, 17,035 candidates took the biology test in 49 examination centres, while 24,488 candidates appeared for the mathematics test. The tests for physics and chemistry would be conducted on Wednesday as per the notified schedule, the CET Cell said in a release.

The students are upset with the reduction in the number of seats under CET. Some students, including Vinutha K. and Shobana, felt that this was an unfair move, especially with the increasing competition. But for Omkar, reducing the number of seats was a good thing for Karnataka students, as it made chances harder for those from outside the State.

On the 100 per cent weightage given to the CET alone for medical seats, some welcomed it as it helped them focus better. But the majority preferred the system of 50 per cent weightage to pre-university marks and 50 per cent to the CET results and were glad it remained that way for engineering. As CET had "advanced questions" and it was easier to score in pre-university examination, they believed it allowed them better prospects.

But despite the CET losing its significance, most students reposed their faith in its mechanism. They believed if they studied well and got a good rank, they were assured of a seat. They saw it as a true test of the capabilities and potential of students and recognised its importance for their future. "The CET is a benchmark of merit," said Priyanka and Smriti and added, "and we trust it."

However, there was scepticism too. Siddharth Sharma from Jain College said the number of seats being offered was hardly inspiring and he couldn't trust the CET entirely. "With everyone clamouring for a seat in a professional college, the competition is a little scary and it is better to have more options."

Parents were opposed to reservations in professional colleges. Shailaja, a doctor-parent, felt many backward classes students were better off than the ones in general merit. Parents were unanimous in their criticism of the seat reduction for CET under the new Karnataka Professional Education Bill.

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